Obree Coaching

🏃‍♀️ Is it time for a mindset shift? 🏃‍♂️

As runners, we spend a lot of time focusing on training plans, mileage, race goals and recovery. But one of the most powerful tools we have isn't found on our watch or in our training schedule.

It's our mindset.

Our mindset acts like a lens through which we view ourselves, our running and the challenges we face. Change the lens, and often the whole picture changes too.

At some point in our running journey, most of us will experience self-doubt, imposter syndrome, fear of failure, or a combination of all three. The difference isn't whether these thoughts appear. It's how we respond to them.

Remember:

▶️ Self-doubt doesn't define your ability.

▶️ You don't need a certain pace or finish time to be a "real runner."

▶️ Every run, race and challenge teaches you something, regardless of the outcome.

▶️ Courage isn't the absence of fear. It's showing up despite it.

So if you've been questioning yourself lately, wondering whether you're capable, whether you belong, or whether you can achieve your goal, perhaps it's not your ability that needs to change.

Perhaps it's the lens you're looking through.

Maybe it's time for a mindset shift.

▶️ MINDSET SHAPES YOUR JOURNEY ◀️

Huge congratulations to coached athlete Guto for an outstanding performance at Ras y Gader, the Cader Idris Mountain Race, one of Wales’ most iconic and demanding mountain races.

A brutal test from the very start, steep climbs out of Dolgellau, relentless ascents into the hills, technical terrain underfoot, and a fast but demanding descent that challenges control just as much as fitness.

Guto delivered a superb performance throughout, pacing with intelligence, staying composed on the climbs, and digging deep when it mattered most on the mountain.

To come away with a personal best of almost 4 minutes on a course like this is a standout result, and a clear reflection of the progress he’s building through consistent training and commitment.

A strong, controlled, and determined run on a truly iconic Welsh mountain course, well done Guto!

Poles.

Not “cheat sticks,” and not a shortcut, but a piece of equipment that requires practice to use effectively.

From a coaching perspective, it’s not about whether you use poles, but how you integrate them into your training.

A few practical tips 👇

• Invest in a pole belt, quiver, or suitable vest for easy access
Efficient storage allows for quick access and reduces disruption to your rhythm during transitions.

• Practise before race day
Race day should never be the first time you rely on poles. Build familiarity and confidence in training.

• Don’t wait until fatigue sets in
Introduce poles while you’re still moving well. This helps reinforce good technique and rhythm before fatigue compromises form.

• Develop rhythm and coordination
Effective pole use should complement your stride, think smooth, controlled movement rather than excessive force.

• Maintain posture
Poles should support alignment and efficiency, not encourage leaning or collapse through the upper body.

• Use them selectively
Understanding when poles are beneficial is just as important as knowing how to use them.

Used well, poles can enhance efficiency and provide support over challenging terrain.
Used poorly, they can disrupt rhythm and increase energy cost.

Train the skill. Apply it with purpose.

Head over to our “Summiting with Poles” and “Descending with Poles” reels for form and technique tips.

Congratulations to coached athlete Lee, whose incredible determination, resilience, and tactical racing saw him take the win in this year’s Trials and Tarmac Backyard Ultra!

Last year, Lee claimed victory with 33 yards, and this year he returned to defend his title, proving that true grit knows no limits.

This year, Lee claimed victory with 29 Yards under extremely challenging weather, completing each mile with focus, composure, and strategic pacing. The course, unique among BYUs, is a 50/50 split of trails and tarmac, set in the heart of the Black Mountains, featuring one gradual climb and one short, steep section.

For those new to the format, the Backyard Ultra is a “last one standing” race: athletes must complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains. Each lap is a test of endurance, pacing, and mental strength, pushing athletes to balance effort with recovery for as long as possible. Lee’s ability to consistently deliver under these conditions is a testament to both his physical and mental fortitude.

This performance wasn’t built in a single weekend. It’s the result of a solid training block, carefully planned long runs, targeted sessions, and attention to recovery, all supported by a strong, encouraging family environment that keeps him grounded, motivated, and focused.

A masterclass in strength, strategy, and perseverance, Lee continues to set the standard for what it means to perform at the highest level, no matter the conditions. His dedication, combined with a balanced lifestyle and unwavering support, shows exactly what mental fortitude, resilience, and consistent preparation can achieve in ultra-running.

It’s a privilege to coach an athlete who embodies not just performance, but heart, discipline, and the joy of running at every mile.

Who’s setting your limits?

And more importantly…
why are you believing them?

One of the biggest barriers I see as a running coach isn’t fitness, talent, or ability.

It’s self-imposed limits.

Runners often decide what they’re capable of before they’ve even tested the boundary.

A big reason for this is comparison.

You see another runner and assume they are stronger, more experienced, more capable.
Then without realising it, you take what you believe their limit is and quietly place it on yourself.

“If that’s their level, there’s no way I could do that.”

And just like that, a limit is created.

Not by your body.
Not by your training.

But by your thinking.

As runners, we rarely set goals we truly believe are impossible.
We tend to aim for targets that feel safe, achievable, comfortable.

But real growth happens outside that space.

Progress comes from setting goals that challenge your current belief system, goals that stretch you beyond the limits you thought you had.

And along the way, there will be setbacks.

Missed targets.
Hard training days.
Races that don’t go to plan.

But those moments aren’t failures.
They are feedback.
They are part of the process of building stronger, more resilient athletes.

So ask yourself:

Where is your finish line?
What does your maximum effort actually look like?
And have you truly discovered your limit, or simply decided where it should be?

Because when runners remove those artificial limits, something powerful happens.

Confidence grows.
Resilience builds.
Performance improves.

And distances, paces and achievements that once felt impossible suddenly become achievable.

Limits are rarely physical.
Most of the time, they’re simply beliefs waiting to be challenged.

So be brave enough to test them.

You might be capable of far more than you think.

If there’s a distance or race you’ve been thinking about for a long time but never believed was possible for you… nows the tind to challenge your limits and discover what you’re truly capable of.

Obree Coaching is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

⏩ www.obreecoaching.co.uk ⏪

Huge congratulations to coached athlete Edward for an incredible performance at the Dartmoor Traverse, 50k of rugged, untamed terrain!

Edward battled rolling moorland, rocky paths, and open valleys, where every step demanded focus, strength, and mental grit. The weather and challenging trails only added to the test, yet he pushed through with determination and composure.

Finishing fifth overall, this is an outstanding achievement.
Edward’s determination and mindful approach to his training shone through every mile, demonstrating the kind of focus and resilience that defines strong trail and ultra runners.

A brilliant performance, Edward, I can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Ever looked at a long run on your training plan and thought,

“How am I supposed to run that?”

20 miles.
30 miles.
An ultra.

The mistake many runners make is trying to carry the entire distance in their mind before they’ve even taken the first step.

As a coach, one of the most powerful tools I teach runners is chunking.

Don’t run the whole distance.
Run the section you’re in.

Break the run down into controllable pieces:

➡️ Aid station to aid station
➡️ Climb to the top of the hill
➡️ One mile at a time
➡️ One steady rhythm of breath and stride

Long distance running isn’t about conquering the miles all at once.
It’s about consistently winning the moment you’re in.

Each section completed builds confidence.
Each mile strengthens belief.
Each small win moves you forward.

This is how runners achieve distances they once thought were impossible.

So when the run feels overwhelming, bring your focus back to this:

Run the mile you’re in.
The rest will take care of itself.

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2025 has been a powerful reminder that coaching is about so much more than training plans, it’s about the people. The athletes who show up with intent, embrace the process, have the brave conversations, and celebrate the breakthroughs, big and small.

From ultras to road, trail to track, I’ve had the absolute privilege of supporting athletes who chose growth over comfort. Athletes who explored their limits, surprised themselves, and uncovered strengths they didn’t know they had. Every session, every mile, every challenge became a moment of progress, built on resilience, trust, and belief.

To everyone who’s been part of Obree Coaching in 2025, whether you’ve been here from day one, joined along the way, or are now stepping into new adventures,thank you. Watching you grow, achieve, and truly own your journey has been the highlight of my year.

Here are a few photos that capture just some of this year’s highlights, a small snapshot of the many athletes, moments, breakthroughs, and quiet wins that made 2025 so special. There was so much more that happened beyond these images, but each one represents the commitment, courage, and community that define Obree Coaching.

Here’s to celebrating the wins, embracing the learning, and building something even bigger in 2026. The next chapter is ours, built through trust, commitment, and the work we put in together. 💪🏃‍♀️✨

Progress doesn’t come from rushing.
It comes from trust, structure, and patience.

As a running coach, one of the most important parts of my role isn’t pushing athletes harder, it’s knowing when not to.

Especially after setbacks like illness or time off, the temptation to rush back and “make up for lost training” is huge. That’s often where runners undo months of good work.

Here’s what one of my athletes shared after trusting the process:
"Several of my running friends had recommended Obree coaching services as providing a very specific training plan to fit the individual’s needs. Stuart built a bespoke training plan that we reviewed fortnightly and tweaked to suit my progress. Following an illness in April I lost 9 weeks of training, Stuart was meticulous in his coaching, ensuring I didn’t panic and overtrain to make up for the lost time. I went into the race the fittest I had ever been and I continue to see steady and sustained improvement with regular PB’s on my usual routes and races." - Guto

This is what structured, individual coaching looks like:
• Bespoke planning
• Regular review and adjustment
• Structured support during setbacks
• Sustainable progress, not quick fixes

If you’re tired of guessing, rushing, or second-guessing your training, and want a plan built around you, I can help.

Train with purpose 👉 www.obreecoaching.co.uk
- Stuart Obree | Obree Coaching

As a running coach, I see it all the time: the unspoken rule that “real runners never walk.” 🙄

Let’s set the record straight: walking is NOT failure.
Walking is NOT a sign of inexperience.
And walking absolutely does NOT make you “less of a runner.”

In the running world, there’s constant pressure to do more, more miles, more speed, more intensity.
But as a coach, I can tell you with confidence: walking is a performance tool. A strategic one.

Here’s why it’s actually one of the smartest tools in your runner’s toolbox:
✔️ Reduces injury risk — because a mid-run faceplant is nobody’s goal.
✔️ Restores form — helps reset posture and stride when fatigue sets in.
✔️ Boosts training longevity — sustainable miles beat ego-driven suffering every time.

Even elite athletes take walking breaks — not because they can’t run, but because they respect what their body needs to perform at its best.
(And let’s be honest… sometimes even the pros need to catch their breath on a steep climb 🏔️🏃‍♂️.)

So next time you feel guilty for taking a walking brake, remember;
Walking doesn’t diminish you. It strengthens you. It makes you a smarter, more resilient runner.

Curious how and why walking can actually improve your runs, protect your body, and make you a stronger athlete over time?
👉 Read the full run-down here: www.obreecoaching.co.uk/blog - packed with insights every runner can benefit from.